Money for public safety, which includes the police and fire departments, accounts for two-thirds of the city's $325 million general fund budget, said Rashad Young, an assistant city manager and a negotiator for the city. Salaries and benefits for 1,050 police officers chew up the biggest chunk of that money.

A starting police officer makes $40,900 a year.

Even before negotiations began, both sides agreed: Money's likely to be the biggest stumbling block in the talks, which traditionally last weeks. The contract expires Dec. 13.

Members of the Fraternal Order of Police believe there is money available for what they consider the most important service a city provides - safety, said Sgt. Harry Roberts, union president. The union's 20-member wage team has spent weeks preparing, he said.

"There's money there," Roberts said, "and we can prove it."

Young said that's simply not true.

"There's nothing," he said.

Neither side would discuss specific proposals.

Mayor Charlie Luken notified council members last week that his budget could include as many as 50 layoffs in departments other than fire, police, recreation and parks. Cuts could be at least 50 percent in human service agencies, he said.

E-mail jprendergast@enquirer.com